There is a lot of exciting auto news from Frankfurt this week, including the sensational BMW i8 launch. But this video of the new production car record lap at the ring really brings home just how far road cars have come in 30 years. This kind of performance is basically at Formula 1 car levels of the 1980s. And this is a beautiful car (admittedly an expensive one) that anyone can just go out and buy! It really boggles the mind. Kudos to Porsche and also to Mark Lieb, who offers a master class in clean, precise driving here.

Our intrepid mechanic and friend Santo Spadaro posted this great onboard of him and the other Alfa Giuliettas dicing at the Lime Rock historics this weekend. I am still going through all my photos, but we'll have a gallery up very soon! In the meantime, turn up the volume and enjoy!

I am a big fan of contrast piping on 1950s cars. I happen to think this looks fanatastic. But is there a point at which it starts to look like a birthday cake?? This blue over blue example strikes me as the perfect balance. But would we feel that way if it was red with white?PS sorry for the radio silence! I was away in Italy. I have some great new photosets in the works!

I have been toying with the idea of repainting my GTV6 ever since I got it! Those who have seen it in person can attest to the fact that the paint is...to use the technical term--fucked. I keep debating between keeping the gray rocker panel or going with a simpler cleaner look by eliminating the useless rub strip along the flank of the car. Or keep the rubs trip but still eliminate the gray. What do all of you out there in the internet think?